London (AFP) – Flying full-back Hector Bellerin, who had been linked with big-money moves to Manchester City and Barcelona, has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, the Londoners said on Monday.

Arsenal did not disclose the precise length of the Spain international’s new deal but British media reported that the 21-year-old right-back had extended his stay with the Gunners by a further six years.

“I’m really, really happy and this club is my home right now,” Bellerin told Arsenal Player. 

“I’ve been here for more than five years now so I was really, really excited when the club told me they wanted to extend my contract.”

He added: “I wasn’t thinking about anything else other than staying here and continuing my development here. This is where I’m happy. I’m just very grateful and pleased to have signed.”

Bellerin is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and will miss Wednesday’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who down the years has lost several key players to Premier League rivals City, last month praised Bellerin’s “absolutely spectacular” development following a “nightmare” full debut against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in 2014.

Bellerin joined Arsenal from Barcelona and had also been linked with a return to the Camp Nou.

He made 44 appearances for Arsenal in the 2015/16 season and was a member of the Spain squad at Euro 2016.